Finchampstead CC put their faith in talented young colts

Finchampstead are going back to basics as they look to return to the Home Counties League at the first time of asking.

First XI captain Matt Jones has revealed he wants players willing to ‘play for the badge’ as Finches concentrate on making last season’s relegation a distant memory with a successful season in Division 1 of the Thames Valley League.

Working alongside 2nd XI skipper Tom Ansell, Jones wishes to make the club’s top two teams a close-knit squad, with players given fair opportunities to make the step up if their performances warrant it.

And by putting faith in Finches’ talented group of young players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks, Jones believes the club are taking the first steps towards becoming one of the leading clubs in the area.

“We’ve done quite a lot of work over the summer, although we haven’t gone out looking to recruit lots of players, instead we’re trying to bring the youth in to make sure we’ve got players playing for the badge,” said opening bat Jones, who took over from Russell Lane as captain early last season.

“Our first and second teams are quite close and there’s a lot of unity at the club.

“Everyone feels a lot closer togther and we want to reward peple with first-team places on merit.

“I think we are in a position of strength, and when we do go back up, whether that is next season or the one after, we will be in a much better position as a club.

“Relegation may not have been the worst thing for the club because we have got a lot of youth players coming through.

“We are hoping that, within a few seasons, we will be lookling to play 11 players who have been at the club since colts and not many clubs can say that.

“We need to get off to a good start, but the feeling in the club is the best it’s been for a while.”

As well as bringing through the talent from the club’s colts set up, Finches have also recruited an exciting prospect in Australian all-rounder Geoff Isaacs.

The former Eversley man will add some valuable experience to the Finchampstead team and Jones is hoping the blend will help his team push for promotion.

Jones is also expecting big things from 15-year-old middle order batsman Dan Lincoln, who made an impressive impact last summer, as well as young off spinner Tom Potter.

“Geoff Isaacs is taking things seriously and has come with all the right ideas,” said Jones.

“We’re looking to do well in the league and we have spoken about our goals for the season.

“We will look to win the league or at least finish as high up as we possibly can.

“I think we have got the team to win the league, but we will have to wait and see.

“I’m hoping to lead the team to as good a position as we can in the league – that’s the main aim.

“As far as the runs go I’d like to set myself a high target and I will be looking to score high – but for the benefit of the team.

“We’ve got a strong top four or five and it’s a matter of working hard together to make sure we’re posting good totals each week.

“Dan Lincoln did a cracking job last year and Tom Potter is a very good bowler who will be very much in the first-team frame and will beenfit from some good experience with the second team this season.”

Finchampstead’s pre-season training has gone particularly well, with three victories.

After beating Valley End, Finches chased down a total of 280 against Hartley Wintney and then scored an unassailable 300 against Godalming.